Massacre In Plateau: Amnesty International Slams Government Over Killing of 51 In Bassal

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the brutal killing of at least 51 people in the early hours of Sunday in Zikke village, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing it as an “inexcusable security failure.”

The attack, which occurred between 12:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m., saw armed assailants invade the quiet village, unleashing mayhem on innocent residents. The attackers reportedly set houses ablaze and looted properties, leaving a trail of death and destruction behind.

Many victims, including the elderly and children who were unable to escape, were slaughtered in cold blood. The chilling incident comes just two weeks after a similar attack claimed 52 lives in the same region.

Reacting to the latest bloodshed, Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, said the persistent security lapses enabling such atrocities must no longer be ignored.

“This latest massacre in Zikke village is yet another tragic reminder of how communities in Plateau State are being abandoned to face relentless violence,” Sanusi stated. “Issuing routine condemnations is no longer enough. Authorities must urgently demonstrate genuine commitment to securing lives and ensuring justice.”

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Amnesty International revealed that from December 2023 to February 2024, no fewer than 1,336 people were killed in Plateau State alone. Of that number, 533 were women, 263 were children, and 540 were men. The violence also displaced over 29,000 people — with women and children again forming the majority of those affected.

The organization warned that failure to hold perpetrators accountable is fueling a dangerous cycle of impunity and lawlessness. It also criticized the Nigerian government’s current security measures as ineffective, especially in light of President Bola Tinubu’s assurances of reform.

“The data and patterns are clear — rural communities in Plateau are under siege, and the government’s slow and inadequate response is costing lives daily,” Sanusi added.

Amnesty is calling for an urgent, transparent investigation and stronger community protection efforts to prevent further bloodshed.